Rib fractures are divided into several types.

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on March 27, 2025
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The most common types of rib fractures in clinical practice are: The first is pathological fractures, the second is spontaneous rib fractures, the third is a single rib fracture, and the fourth is multiple rib fractures. Pathological rib fractures are due to inherent diseases, such as tumors leading to rib fractures. The second type, spontaneous fractures, occur due to intense activities or movements of the patient, such as severe coughing and sneezing, or sudden severe contraction of the chest muscles, causing the ribs to break due to tensile forces; this is called a spontaneous rib fracture. The third type is a single rib fracture, and the fourth type involves multiple rib fractures, both of which are commonly seen in rib fractures caused by trauma. These are the most common types of rib fractures currently seen in clinical practice.

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Do rib fractures require surgery?

If there is a fracture of a single rib or a single spot with minor displacement, conservative treatment can be chosen without the need for surgery. However, if multiple ribs are fractured in multiple sections, it affects breathing, clinically known as flail chest. This condition can cause severe pain and breathing difficulties, and possibly fluid accumulation in the chest cavity. In such cases, surgery is required to reposition and stabilize the fractures, facilitating recovery. Therefore, whether surgery is needed should be based on the analysis of the injury.

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Written by Li Jie
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Can you move with a rib fracture?

After a rib fracture, the patient's limbs can still move, and movement of the limbs should generally not pose major problems. However, excessive movement can sometimes cause pain, as well as movement and displacement at the fracture ends. Therefore, it is generally advised that after a rib fracture, the patient should primarily rest and minimize movement, especially within the first two weeks of the acute phase, where bed rest is strongly recommended. Avoid strenuous activities, although some gentle exercise can be appropriate, but vigorous physical labor is not advised.

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What are the symptoms of a rib fracture?

When a rib fracture occurs, there is initially localized pain, particularly exacerbated during breathing, and increased pain during pressing on the ribcage. Early on, there may be no respiratory or pulmonary inflammation, but if there is no systematic treatment and no rest, this could lead to breathing difficulties and signs of inflammation in the chest cavity. Additionally, if multiple ribs are fractured at multiple sites, a condition known as flail chest may occur.

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Written by Nie Lei Sheng
Orthopedics
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What should I do if I have a rib fracture?

Firstly, a clear diagnosis should be made for rib fractures to determine whether the fractures have caused damage to internal organs, leading to complications such as pneumothorax or hemopneumothorax, which are more serious conditions. Active treatment for internal organ damage and management of pneumothorax or hemopneumothorax should be pursued, along with treatment for the rib fractures. If the rib fracture is merely a simple, non-displaced fracture and the number of fractured ribs is less than three, wearing a chest brace for protection can be sufficient. Supportive symptomatic treatment and bed rest should be adopted. Generally, the fracture can begin to heal within four to six weeks. In cases of multiple rib fractures where the chest wall is unstable, with symptoms like abnormal breathing, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the chest wall and ensure respiratory and circulatory function. Therefore, treatment for rib fractures should be tailored based on the condition of the patient.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Does a rib fracture hurt?

Rib fractures are generally caused by trauma, resulting in localized pain and restricted respiratory movements. In severe cases, there may be blood or fluid accumulation inside the chest cavity, or even respiratory distress, presenting symptoms similar to flail chest. Therefore, when a rib fracture occurs, the pain is very severe because the ribs are an important part of the thoracic cage, which is a crucial structure during respiratory movements. Thus, during breathing, the pain from a rib fracture can be quite intense.